The Despair Collective
Buffalo, New York, United States | Established. Jan 01, 2021
Music
Press
“ From the first note, Breathe Again immerses the listener in a world of BIG sound and poignant storytelling, its tight production and layered textures making it an anthem of epic proportions. This release is a reminder of how much raw energy and emotion rock music can convey.” - Rock Era Magazine
“ Buffalo-based band The Despair Collective present a commanding, emotive rock enthrallment on new single “Breathe Again.” A darkly foreboding tonal direction is propelled by intensifying guitar distortion, amidst vocal laments that “my heart was turned into pieces.” The cathartic, title-referencing hook stirs in its powerful arrival — capturing the release’s themes of perseverance and self-discovery following a tumult-filled relationship.” - Obscure Sound
“ Breathe Again is as powerful as an avalanche, leaving an impact that resonates long after the song ends.
The dynamic structure and carefully arranged harmonies demonstrate the duo’s refined compositional skills, making this track a strong recommendation for fans of heavy, evocative music.” - Edgar Allan Poets
“… that whole gigantic, bombastic, cinematic universe of BIG BIG sound” - Sleeping Bag Studios
“… the interesting thing from my perspective is that there is an innovative and classic sound at the same time; that is, that game of epic riffs of the decade of the 80s but with an environment in the background of synthetic and dark synthesizers, a powerful female voice that makes anyone tremble…” (translated from original Spanish) - End Session
“ Hearing her hit the chorus is nothing short of brilliant…the range is there, the power is there, the conviction & commitment to the words is there…the belief in the material, the enthusiasm, passion…check, check, check. ” - Sleeping Bag Studios
Discography
“Your Say” - single, April 16, 2021
“Crackerman” (Cover) - single, November 22, 2022
“Saints to Sinners” - single, May 31, 2024
“Breathe Again” - single, August 2, 2024
“Sunrise for the Soulless” - single, September 20, 2024
Photos
Bio
What began as one man writing one song on a mobile device, has now evolved into a music project that can only be described as a “gigantic, bombastic, cinematic universe of BIG BIG sound.“ (sleepingbagstudios)
The self-released “Your Say” (2021) featured soaring female vocals, a huge chorus, and the fusion of synthetic and organic instrumentation that would become the defining features of The Despair Collective.
Renewed interest in “Your Say” nearly a year later prompted Fogle to team-up with longtime collaborator Mike Longo (guitars) and drummer Nick Mason for a blistering cover version of Stone Temple Pilots’ “Crackerman.” The strength of that performance led to independent label interest and guidance that sent The Despair Collective back into the studio with a deluge of songwriting, as the band used 2023 to chart their path forward and layout several forthcoming releases.
The first of those releases was “Saints to Sinners”, a digital-age take on arena rock. On full display was the group’s commitment to bringing over the top, layered production values back into the rock scene, reminiscent of iconic bands of the 1970’s and 80’s, but with the power and precision of modern hard rock.
The Despair Collective most recently released “Breathe Again” on August 2, 2024, which marks a further evolution and refinement of the group’s style.
Band Members
Links
